Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has introduced two new technologies—its next-generation ultra-fast FLASH Charging system and Blade Battery 2.0—aimed at addressing key barriers to the global adoption of electric vehicles.
According to a company statement, the technologies were unveiled during a press conference in China. BYD said the innovations are designed to eliminate major concerns surrounding electric vehicles, particularly charging time and driving range.
The company announced that its new-generation FLASH Charging system can deliver up to 1,500 kilowatts (kW) of power through a single connector. Combined with the second-generation Blade Battery, the system significantly reduces charging times.
Under standard conditions, the technology can charge a battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes, and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Even in extremely cold environments—such as temperatures as low as minus 30°C—the FLASH Charging unit can charge the Blade Battery 2.0 from 20% to 97% in just 12 minutes.
Thanks to improvements in energy density, the battery can deliver over 1,000 kilometers of driving range on a single charge, according to China’s CLTC efficiency testing standards.
Blade Battery 2.0
Developed after extensive research and development, the second-generation Blade Battery offers a charging experience comparable to the refueling speed of internal combustion vehicles.
Traditionally, higher energy density in batteries comes at the expense of charging speed. However, BYD said it has overcome this trade-off with its new battery technology by developing the “FlashPass” Ion Transport System, which pushes the limits of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.
Despite improvements in energy density and charging speed, the company said safety and durability were not compromised. Even after 500 FLASH charging cycles, Blade Battery 2.0 successfully passed what BYD describes as the world’s first simultaneous FLASH Charging and Nail Penetration Test without thermal runaway, smoke, or fire.
In another safety test involving forced short circuits in four cells simultaneously—where temperatures exceeded 700°C—the battery did not experience fire or explosion. The company also reported improvements in longevity, noting that total capacity loss has been reduced by 2.5% compared with the first-generation Blade Battery.
20,000 Charging Stations Planned Across China
BYD said the number of FLASH Charging stations across China has surpassed 4,200 as of this month, with plans to expand the network to 20,000 stations by the end of the year.
To support rapid expansion, the stations operate alongside an integrated energy storage system with ultra-fast discharge capabilities. The system stores energy at lower charging speeds and acts as a reservoir battery that balances grid loads while supplying the high power needed for ultra-fast charging.
The FLASH Charging stations also feature a T-shaped overhead design, which eliminates common issues such as heavy connectors and cables touching the ground at traditional charging stations. A lightweight connector and rail-based pulley system allow for easy and ergonomic connection regardless of the charging port’s location on the vehicle.
The new technologies were developed as part of extensive research and engineering efforts to eliminate consumers’ biggest concerns about transitioning to electric mobility—charging time and driving range.
The first model in Europe to feature both FLASH Charging and Blade Battery 2.0 will be the DENZA Z9GT, the flagship model of BYD’s premium brand.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök